Lismore's place as a breeding ground forAustralian sporting champions has been celebrated once again, with Lismore City Council naming the third and final grandstand at Oakes Oval in honour of one of the city's most respected sporting sons, Craig Foster AM.
The Craig Foster Grandstand features as part ofthe Lismore Regional Sports Precinct $12.4 million stadium redevelopment and stands as a tribute to Foster's outstanding contribution to football and his ongoing legacy as a respected civic and sporting leader.
The official naming took place at Oakes Oval just before kick-off in the pre-season A-League clash between the Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar, played in front of a packed crowd.
A former Socceroo and celebrated football broadcaster over many decades, Foster's football journey began in Lismore, where he grew up and attended Kadina High School.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said Foster's name is synonymous with excellence, integrity and leadership.
"To have Craig Foster's name, a local former Socceroos and the 40th National Captain against Paraguay in 2000 on this grandstand, is a proud moment for our city," Mayor Krieg said.
"He is a homegrown talent who didn't just represent Australia on the world stage, he became a national leader in sport. Craig has never forgotten his roots, and Lismore is proud to honour him in this way."
Throughout his career, Craig Foster earned 29 caps for the Socceroos, represented Australia in World Cup qualifiers, Confederations Cup tournaments and OFC Nations Cup victories.
Foster's international playing career included stints with clubs across Australia, Asia and England with Crystal Palace FC, before retiring in 2003. He later became one of the country's most recognisable football voices through his 18 years as chief analyst with SBS, covering multiple FIFA World Cups and shaping national conversations about the game.
Craig Foster said the honour was deeply meaningful.
"I feel incredibly honoured and privileged to have this grandstand named after me in my hometown. Thank you to Lismore City Council and the entire Lismore community for this generous recognition," he said.
"Football has given me so much throughout my life, and it all started right here. This region, this community, shaped who I am. Sport has the power to bring people together and I hope this facility continues to do just that for generations to come."
The Craig Foster Grandstand joins the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion and the Lyn Larson Grandstand as key facilities at the upgraded Sports Precinct, helping attract major sporting events to Lismore and supporting local clubs and community use.
